No 57 Cafe Abu Dhabi: Review and Pictures

HUNTR Members Perk

HUNTR members have access to two exclusive perks at No.FiftySeven Boutique Cafe. The first is an exclusive Buy1Get1Free deal on main courses. The cheapest main course is free.

The second is HUNTR members also get a complimentary beverage of their choice with a main course.

The perks can not be used together and it is either one or the other.

To redeem a perk, simply show proof of your membership via ‘My Account’ in the main menu bar above.

The story behind the No 57 Cafe Abu Dhabi is a rather lovely one, so before we move onto to talk about the incredible food on offer here, let’s enjoy a spot of jackanory. Twas a dark night in the Arabian desert, and two best friends Noor and Buthaina were frustrated as their cafe concept was delayed, their impatience got the better of them, and they decided to tease the new eatery with a pop-up secret dinner. The first dinner was a huge success, so they did it again, and officially named it The Dinner Club by No.57. Whilst pop-up dinner clubs are commonplace in the U.S and Europe, they hadn’t been done before in the region. The hipsters and foodies went wild for it, and fast-forward a few years, Noor and Buthaina now regularly host these pop-ups for the likes of Tods, Céline and Tory Burch. Not too shabby.

In fact, the dinner club sort of took their attention away from the cafe for a while, and it wasn’t until late 2014 that it eventually launched in Abu Dhabi. Fast-forward almost a decade and in 2022, the cafe got a sleek new makeover. Featuring splashes of cosy martian pink and nude, the all new look is a visual feast for the eyes. Stunning bold, modern chairs are organized around striking marble and wooden tables. There are seating options for all group sizes, and outside – there’s a serene water view.

The ideal spot to work, study, or catch up with colleagues, friends, or family, Cafe No 57 is a great all-rounder.

Serving up incredible dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including The Dinner Club by No.57’s signature ‘Ermahgerd’ dessert – which is named after the most commonly used phrase when people first try it. There are also plenty of healthy and vegetarian-friendly options available.

On The HUNTR’s most recent visit (pictured, October 2022), we visited for a weekend lunch…

We started with the vegetarian-friendly Tomato and Caramelized Onion Tart (55AED) – with burrata cheese, heirloom tomatoes, Sakura cress, basil, and red onion jam, this buttery, delicious creation was almost too pretty to eat.

We also share the wholesome, plump and colourful Poke Salad (78AED) with baby spinach, cucumber, green chili, avocado, edamame beans, simichi pepper chips, marinated tuna, mango, seaweed, rice, and vinaigrette dressing.

For mains, we shared the decadent Truffle Skillet Tortellini Lasagna (75AED) a cheesey, gooey mix of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and bechamel, with truffle shavings. Heaven. And the classic Veal Milanese (165AED) with Panko crumbs, sautéed cherry tomatoes, rocket leaves, and shredded potato fries. Don’t miss it.

We finished with Mama Hepburn’s Chocolate Pot, a recipe by founder Alamira’s mother, that’s rich and creamy and worth every single calorie. It was perfectly paired with the Hot Spanish Latte (27AED), and well balanced a V60 (32AED).